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Sen. Jim Inhofe criticizes President Barack Obama after Libya attack

Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe says President Barack Obama's “failed foreign policy” is hurting the United States, while Rep. Tom Cole says a recent attack in Libya raises questions about U.S. involvement in that nation.

WASHINGTON — In the wake of an attack in Libya that killed the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans, Sen. Jim Inhofe said Wednesday that the United States had suffered because of President Barack Obama's “failed foreign policy of appeasement and apology.”

Inhofe, R-Tulsa, called on the Defense and Foreign Relations committees to hold hearings on the attack.

“We mourn the tragic murder of (U.S. Ambassador to Libya) John Christopher Stevens, a friend whom I met with in February of this year, and the three others,” Inhofe said. “These individuals lost their lives in service to their country, and Ambassador Stevens was a brave American who was acting to protect his fellow citizens.

“These attacks, the murder of our ambassador, and the disgraceful treatment of his body must have consequences. The timing of this on the 11th anniversary of 9/11 is more than just coincidence. Sadly, America has suffered as a result of President Obama's failure to lead and his failed foreign policy of appeasement and apology. The world must know beyond doubt that America will not allow these types of attacks on our people.”

The White House declined Wednesday to respond directly to Inhofe's remarks.

Others react

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, said, “The Libyan government owes its freedom in large measure to U.S. men and women in uniform, and Libya's complete cooperation is demanded to bring swift and sure punishment to those responsible.”

Cole, a member of the subcommittees that oversee spending on defense and foreign operations, said, “These tragic events raise serious questions about U.S. involvement in Libya. The manner in which Libyan officials respond will impact whatever support they can expect from the U.S. Congress going forward.”

White House press secretary Jay Carney told reporters, “I'm not going to speculate about what action might be taken under hypothetical circumstances. I would say that it's important to note that we have a close, cooperative relationship with the government in Libya, the interim government.

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Chris Casteel began working for The Oklahoman's Norman bureau in 1982 while a student at the University of Oklahoma. After covering the police beat, federal courts and the state Legislature in Oklahoma City, he moved to Washington in 1990, where...